Twice now (5 months apart) the tranny up shifts quite late. I'm a conserva tive driver and I'm always in third gear by the time I get to the other sid e of the intersection from a standing start. That would be about 10-12 mph . Two times now I have to get up to 33 mph to to attain 3rd gear. 2nd gear i s also very late, about 20 mph. This is most pronounced on a cold morning (48°F).
The solution has been to live with it. After about 1/2 hour (about 30 star ts from red light) the shift into third occurs at 27, then 23, then 19 etc. and eventually at around 12 mph. Ergo, it fixes itself. Then fine for 5-
6 months. I assume we can rule out linkage, since that would not be self-correcting.Let us assume that the fluid has never been flushed or changed. I've had t he car since 160,000 miles and have not touched the fluid (except to check level). It never needs top-off.
I am able to remove and clean the valve body, if need be. I have a car lift . I also own an identical parts car with low mileage (132,000 miles). Cou ld install that valve body. I can also flush and change fluid, but many web sites recommend against tha t move if it has never been done before.
Any advise greatly appreciated.
(BTW, I get an honest 34 mpg city, 43 mpg highway. For me highway is appro ximately 60 mph. Tuck up 2-300 feet behind a big semi and have a relaxing trip).
Ivan Vegvary, Oregon